![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
Varsity girls volleyball triumphed over Scotts Valley High School in the Eagles’ home opener on Thursday, winning three consecutive sets 25-22, 25-21 and 25-18.
Scotts Valley scored the first point of the match, but a few minutes later defensive specialist Aline Grinspan (10) served an ace to bring the score to 5-2 favoring Harker. Co-captain Juhi Madala (12) scored an electric kill that ignited cheers from the crowd, putting the score at 16-16. With the game down to the wire, libero Norah Mehanna (11) served an ace to boost Harker one step closer to a win, and outside hitter Elie Ahluwalia (10) closed with a kill to secure the first set for Harker 25-22.
Harker and Scotts Valley matched each other’s performance to start the second set, tied at 6-6 until Scotts Valley bested Harker in a tense back and forth rally that fired up spectators. Both teams continued exchanging points, bringing the score to 10-10, but then the Scotts Valley Falcons went on a three point scoring run. The Eagles fought back, earning an ace narrowly landing in bounds for a 23-19 lead. With a final missed serve from the Falcons, the Eagles took the win in the second set 25-21.
Varsity girls volleyball head coach Theresa “Smitty” Smith complimented the team’s tenacity and grit displayed in game as well as during practices that helped them prepare for this game.
“This is a really fun team, and there’s a lot of hidden gems amongst our group where we have some potential to do well,” Coach Smitty said. “I really like this team because they don’t give up, they don’t quit, they always feel like they’re in it and they always battle. The game of volleyball goes up and down, so if you can stay steady and stay in it, you can often pull out [the win].”
Not long into the third and final set of the match, the game was delayed due to a mistake in Scotts Valley’s player serving rotation. The officials quickly resolved the confusion and the game resumed. Hoping to win in three sets, Harker came out strong with an early 8-4 lead. Harker expanded the gap as an ace from co-captain Margaret Cartee (12) brought the score to 16-9, and the Eagles ultimately won their third consecutive set at 25-18.
“We started off pretty slow but toward the end we picked it up, and it was definitely evident in set scores,” outside hitter Navya Samuel (11) said. “We were a lot closer in the first set, and then we widened the gap as the game went on.”
With the first home game victory of the school year, libero Norah Mehanna (11) comments on what excites her going forward through the rest of season.
“[I’m looking forward to] playing more competitive teams and going out and throwing it all out there,” Norah said. “This team this year… we’re ready to dominate.”
The Eagles are currently 4-3 for the season and will play at Eastside College Preparatory next on Thursday at 5 p.m.
![Setter Emma Lee (9) sets the ball to the middle during the match against Pinewood on Sept. 12. “[I’m looking forward to] getting more skilled, learning more about my position and also becoming better friends with all of my teammates," Emma said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DSC_4917-2-1200x795.jpg)
